Distribution System Voltage Conversion

This paper evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of a primary distribution voltage conversion for a local distribution company. By first focusing on a typical distribution feeder, it is possible to quantify and evaluate the technical and economic aspects of the 4160 V level and also the 13.8 kV level for distribution. The results show that, from a technical standpoint, a voltage conversion to a higher voltage level offers more benefits than remaining at existing voltage levels in every case. The results from the economic standpoint show that a system-wide voltage conversion is not realistic because of cost. However, when a partial voltage conversion is implemented on selected fedders, the costs of a voltage conversion are comparable to remaining with the existing voltage level. Furthermore, the results indicated which components of a distribution system are most influential when considering a voltage conversion, and also provide a rule-of-thumb for primary distribution voltage conversions.